2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite: Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale misses out historic title after succumbing to Saudi side in final

Al Ahli defeated Kawasaki Frontale

By Emmanuel Akyereko

(Managing Editor)

Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale saw their impressive run in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite end in a cold fashion as Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli defeated them 2-0 in the grand finale on Saturday night in Jeddah.

The Kanagawa-based side was hoping to become the 7th Japanese side to win the coveted trophy however things ended in an undesirable fashion as Al Ahli claimed their maiden success of the competition as Saudi sides increase their number of titles 7 – a title short of what Japanese clubs have won.

Frontale had done the unthinkable by eliminating a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr in mid-week and were hoping to repeat the feat against Roberto Firminio, Eduard Mendy, Ivan Toney, Franck Kessie, and Riyad Mahrez.

However Brazilian Galeno and Kessie scored two first-half goals with Firminio turning the provider for his countryman and the Ivorian international.

Kawasaki’s feat in this year’s edition is the 6th time a Japanese side has reached the final without returning to the East Asian country with the trophy.